Jelly nails are the retro manicure trend that made a splash on TikTok and Instagram a few months ago. These sheer, glossy nails actually first emerged in the 1990s, and now they’re back with a fun, fruity twist!
You can play around with jelly nails so much that I believe they’re here to stay!
What Are Jelly Nails?
Jelly nails get their name from their transparent, squishy look, similar to jelly. The manicure involves painting on a sheer layer of colored polish that makes nails appear glassy and luminous. When done right, jelly nails almost look wet!
Unlike opaque polishes that fully cover the nail, jellies reveal your natural nail underneath with just a hint of fruity tint. Think stained glass windows but for your fingertips. So cool!
Jelly Nails vs Jello Nails
Jelly nails are sometimes called “Jello nails” — some people say they’re different. They say that Jello nails are more opaque, but, in my experience, that’s not the case. Don’t believe me? Look online and you’ll see that people use the terms interchangeably.
Why Jelly Nails Are Trending In 2023
There are a few reasons this throwback manicure is a hot summer trend:
- Major nostalgia from the 90s and early 2000s
- Super quick and easy to DIY at home
- Sheer tints complement any outfit
- Cute fruity colors for summer – yellow, orange, pink!
- Endless ways to get creative with layers, nail art, etc.
Jelly Nail Designs To Inspire Your Next Manicure
This post features a bunch of fun jelly nail ideas I found on the internet. From color combos to nail art, they’ll have you racing to try this trend…
Ready to get your nails juicy? Keep reading for jelly inspo!
Jelly Nails Pictures
1. Icy Blue Jelly Stiletto Nails
Imagine stepping into a winter wonderland with this icy gel set that will give you major chills! The stiletto nail shape with the blue jelly gel and the blue heart charms makes for a killer combo! ❄️🥶
2. Summery Floral Green Jelly Almond Nails
I love this short almond nail jelly manicure! These acrylic masterpieces showcase a green jelly polish in a wonderful hue. The translucent finish adds an extra dimension to the expertly hand-painted flowers that bring the design to life 🌸🌼✨
3. Barbie-inspired Pink Jelly Ombre Coffin Nails
Get ready to embrace your inner Barbie with these stunning Barbie nails! The soft vanilla chrome base goes to translucent pink jelly tips. So cute! 💖🌍
4. Gorgeous Butterfly Stiletto Jelly Nails
These butterfly nails are so cool! The multicolor jelly polish base is adorned with dark black veins and white dots. This manicure really looks like butterfly wings! 🦋
5. Blueberry Flax Milk with Cloud Nail Design
Imagine looking up at a crystal-clear blue sky, with fluffy white clouds drifting by. Well, get ready to rock that same dreamy scene on your nails! You won’t believe how easy it is to recreate this cloud-inspired look, using the stunning Blueberry Flax Milk polish from Dimension Nails. Layer it up and pair it with the pure white shade, White Here White Now from KBShimmer, to achieve a nail art design that’s bound to turn heads!
6. Stunning Louis Vuitton Inspired See-Through Nails with Jewel Garnet and Neon Toy Orange
A unique twist on the Louis Vuitton pattern – these stiletto acrylic nails feature the iconic pattern in pink on top of red/fuchsia jelly nails. It looks like garnet! 💎
7. Multicolor Almond Shaped Jelly Nails
Imagine a palette of delectable jellies waiting to be devoured! Each nail features a different jelly color. The hues are Cocoa Jelly, Olive Jelly, Navy Jelly, Marsala Jelly, and Dove Jelly!
8. Short Almond French Jelly Nails With Glitter
The cute pink jelly polish is complemented perfectly by the white French and the silver glitter on this stunning manicure!
9. Gingham Checkerboard Jelly Nails
I love this manicure! Super cute gingham checkerboard pattern crafted with jelly polish as a “diagonal French” on top of the soft pink jelly base.
10. Layered Neon and Jelly Nail Polish with Sparkling Gem Stickers
Get ready to amp up your nail game with this styling tip! Take your nail polish to the next level by layering a vibrant neon shade over a translucent jelly polish. The result? A mesmerizing explosion of color that will make your nails pop! And why stop at just polish? Take the concept of layering to your nail decals too! Combine gem stickers with metallic ones for a dazzling effect ⭐️
11. Pretty Pink Blooming Gel Jelly Nail Design
Introducing a gorgeous set of nails that will have you feeling pretty in pink! 💞🎀🩷 Made with the jelly polish called Heat Stroke for the base, these long almond nails feature cute pink swirls on top of see-through pink! 🩷
12. Rosewater Jelly Almond Nails With Glitter
Beautiful soft pink jelly polish shade. And the glitter topper elevates the look of these short almond nails! So cute!
13. Pink and Orange Jelly Polish Aura Stiletto Nails
A soft pink see-through jelly polish is completed with the orange aura effect. On top, delicate golden and pink swirls and gemstones make this a super striking manicure!
14. Abalone-Inspired Oceanic Nails With Jelly Polish, Chrome Pigment & Mylar
I love these nature-inspired Abalone long square nails. Featuring a captivating blend of encapsulated chrome pigment, mylar, jelly polish, and layers upon layers of clear gel and acrylic, this design is a true masterpiece. Imagine the lustrous shine of abalone shells and the tranquility of the ocean, all beautifully translated onto your nails!
15. Blue Jelly Nails with Serpent Design
I love the subtle tone-on-tone blue serpent design on these square blue jelly nails. The little “water droplets” are a nice addition!
16. Pink Jelly Butterfly Nails
Cute butterfly design on pink jelly ballerina nails! 💕💕💕
17. Kirby Pink Jelly Coffin Nails
Super cute medium coffin nails with pink see-through jelly and an adorable Kirby design on the accent nail! 💅💖
18. Jelly Pink Nails with Marbled Flowers
Imagine the prettiest nails you’ve ever seen, coated in a soft, jelly pink hue. These adorable nails are adorned with delicate marbled flowers in shades of pink and gold, adding a touch of elegance!
19. Eclectic Long Almond Jelly Nails
The combination of dreamy shades of red, nude, and black jelly colors and the edgy rock ‘n’ roll vibes takes these jelly nails to a whole new level of coolness. 💅✨
20. Flower Nails with Clear, Blush, and Silver Micro Beads
Imagine having a burst of vibrant blooms right at your fingertips! These flower nails are the perfect accessory to brighten up your day. The delicate petals in shades of pink, purple, and yellow create a stunning floral design that looks encased in clear jelly. The silver micro beads add a touch of sparkle, making these nails truly stand out!
21. Short Almond Pink Jelly Nails With Kawaii Charms
Imagine having the cutest nails in town, adorned with the most adorable jelly pink base and kawaii charms! 💖🌙🌟💎✨
22. Amber Jelly Coffin Nails for Fall Inspiration
Jelly nails are great for the summer, but who says you can’t adapt this trend for the Fall season? This amber color, with sparkles and floral designs on the accent nails, is perfect to transition into the holiday season!
23. Stunning Rainbow Jelly Gradient Nails With Sparkles
This design combines a rainbow selection of @cirquecolors jellies with a touch of sparkle from @funlacquer Flash Diamond Dust. Each nail features a gradient of two different colors! 💖🌈🧡
24. Dreamy Pink and Clear Jelly Stiletto Nails
These long stiletto nails feature a pink jelly base and clear jelly tips! The specks and glitter add a bit of shimmer and make this manicure to die for! 💗✨
25. Purple Jelly & Holo Squoval Nails
Imagine a dazzling burst of purple and holographic magic on your fingertips. The combination of @cirquecolors Haze Jelly (which is kinda like lavender) and various purple holos, along with the sprinkling of @chinaglazeofficial Fairy Dust, creates a dreamy and ethereal aesthetic!
26. Barbie Vibes: Stunning Jelly Pink Nails With Studs & Glitter
These coffin nails are Barbie-licious! Featuring a super cute shade of pink jelly base, they also have glitter accent nails and multicolor studs. What’s not to love?! 💖💅
27. Purple Dream Jelly Short Almond Nails
This vibrant purple glass-like jelly hue makes for such a striking mani! 💜✨🧚🏻♀️
28. Pink French Jelly Nails With Rhinestones
Glossy jelly nails with neon pink French on the accent nails! Add some rhinestones and sparkly specks, and you have a multilayered manicure that’s just striking!
29. Playful Cloud-Inspired Neon Jelly Gel Nails
This playful manicure is absolutely captivating with its neon jelly gels on short almond nails. Each finger is a gradient of two neon colors, and the look is completed by the cloud nail art and the little studded stars! Amazing!
30. Pink Nail Art: Barbie Gingham Jelly Nails
Adorable gingham nails inspired by the Barbie movie, featuring the iconic pink and white checkered pattern! The nude jelly color of the accent nails with the gingham French is just so perfect! I’m obsessed!
31. Cute and Playful Stripe Jelly Nail Design
Imagine sinking your fingers into a world of playfulness and cuteness. This image features a vibrant pink and white striped pattern, reminiscent of a candy cane, adorned with an adorable neon pink 3D jelly drip for a bit of texture. It’s as if these nails were made to be squeezed because they’re just that irresistibly cute!
32. Vibrant Rainbow Neon Jelly French Nails Summer Inspo
Imagine a burst of vibrant colors right at your fingertips! These unique neon rainbow jelly nails are the ultimate summer accessory, guaranteed to make a statement wherever you go. Each nail embraces a different color of the rainbow, and the French is completed with solid stripes, glitter contours, and tone-on-tone hearts. I love these! 💖✨
33. Jelly Blue & Gold Square Nails
The cute shade of jelly blue complements the golden jewels perfectly! Such a cute manicure!
34. Louis Vuitton Meets Pink Jelly Nails
The white Louis Vuitton pattern on the long ballerina nails is so striking! Love the neon pink aura tip of these clear jelly tips!
35. Pink Jelly Nails With Strawberries and Golden Dots
These long almond nails feature the perfect shade of jelly pink and some adorable strawberry and gold nail art designs. Adorable! 🍓
36. Jelly Nails With Ocean Animals
These purple-grey jelly nails feature intricate freehand artwork that brings these ocean creatures to life, with octopuses, fish, and seashells! The perfect beach nails? I think so! 🐠🐙🌊
37. Enchanting Mermaid-Inspired Jelly Nails with Oceanic Details
I love these mesmerizing Mermaid Core nails! 🐚🫧⋆ Sparkling mermaid tails, 3D seashells, and the captivating dance of ocean waves. And let’s not forget the magical iridescence of bubbles that adds a touch of ethereal charm. These jelly nails are to die for! 🌊✨🤍
38. Pink Jelly and White Ombre Nails With Pearl Accents
Pink and white ombre jelly nails that feature super cute pearl studs and a pearl heart on the accent nail! The long almond shape works perfectly with the color combination, making the gradient super subtle!
39. Blue Jelly Nails with Multichrome Flakes and Floral Details
This blue jelly polish is so juicy and the multi-chrome flakes add dimension! Add some hand-painted floral designs on only one hand, and you have a perfect manicure!
40. Kawaii Jelly Nails Mimics a Pool With Duck Floaties
Super cute light blue jelly nails with wavy white stripes meant to look like the bottom of a pool! This design features a super kawaii dog and duck floaties. I adore this! 💦🐤
41. Kawaii Dog Design on Soft Pink Jelly Nails With Studs & Ribbons
Super kawaii manicure featuring a soft and milky shade of pink jelly polish for the base colors! The manicure is completed with studs, pearl hearts, and white 3D ribbons. To top it all off, the thumb features a little 3D dog design! Oh my gosh! 🐶
42. Stunning Summer Nail Art: Gel-X, 3D Designs, Ombre, and Chrome
This manicure features a mind-boggling combination of 3D designs, texture, ombré, chrome, jelly nails, and even some hand-drawn nail art 😍✨
43. Oyster Shell Jelly Nails on Short Square Nails
Get ready to dive into the latest nail art trend: oyster shell nails! 🐚✨ The pearlescent combo of jelly polishes creates a unique oyster shell look that’s bound to turn heads! 💅🏻💖
44. Pink and Purple Sunset Gradient Jelly Nails
This manicure boasts a delightful blend of jelly pinks and purples, creating a stunning gradient effect that’s truly eye-catching. These short almond nails are so cute with the vertical gradient on each nail! ✨💅
45. Playful Pastel Jelly Nails With Clouds & Teddy Bears
Delicate blush-colored jelly nails adorned with a charming collection of playful confetti designs. The almond shape adds a touch of elegance, while the translucent gel extensions give it an ethereal quality. Single silver studs, super thin silver French, tone-on-tone blush aura, and hand-painted clouds make this deceptively simple manicure super cute yet sophisticated!
46. Tropical Hibiscus Multicolor Jelly Nails: Vacation in a Bottle
Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise with these stunning hibiscus jelly nails. The vibrant colors and intricate details of these nail designs transport you to a sunset beach getaway! 💅🏽✨
47. Stiletto Jelly Nails With Water Drop Effect
Imagine a vibrant kaleidoscope popping with the most mesmerizing colors! The green, yellow and orange gradients work so well with the translucent jelly! To add some interest, there’s a water droplet effect, that’s captivating!
48. Blush Aura Jelly Nails With Silver Stars and Gemstones
These adorable nails feature a soft blush jelly color, complemented with silver stars and pink and silver gemstones on the two accent nails! If you look closely, the base pink color features a darker blush aura that makes this manicure so cute and chic! I’m in love! 💖
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